Greetings from the “Blueberry Capital of the World”

There isn’t a lack of John McCain supporters in this small Atlantic County town that calls itself the “Blueberry Capital of the World.” Consider these comments about the Republican presidential candidate:

“He had zero pork barrel spending while he was in the Senate. I like his record, that he’s been more independent and just doesn’t do what his party wants,” said Debra Conover, 40, who cast her ballot at a local fire station that had a steady stream of voters throughout the late morning.

“I’m a lifelong Democrat, but I’m voting for John McCain,” shouted Jean Tratta, 66, as she hustled to her polling location.

“He’s more experienced and I like his military record. I was in the military myself, the Marines. He’ll do well for the veterans. He’ll help them when they return home from serving overseas and take care of their benefits,” said Charles Sbarra, 71.

There were some Hammontonians, however, showing the love for Barack Obama, the Democratic presidential hopeful. One voter painted the slogan “Barack the Vote” in red across the rear window of her car.

“The Republicans have had eight years and we’re in a ditch. Give the Democrats a chance. Let’s see what they can do,” said Maureen Narlis, 73, who believes Obama is strong enough to meet America’s high expectations for the next president. “Just look at all he’s gone through in the last two years. To beat out Hillary (Clinton) in the primaries, that says something.”

Narlis and other Obama supporters might be facing an uphill battle in Hammonton. The town as a whole went for George W. Bush in 2004 (Bush got 3,218 votes to John Kerry’s 2,600 votes) and just barely sided with Democrat Al Gore in the 2000 presidential contest.

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About Lisa G. Ryan

Lisa G. Ryan writes about the state budget (it's a lot more interesting
than it seems!) for the Gannett State Bureau. She previously worked at
the Courier-Post in Cherry Hill and The Daily Journal in Cumberland
County. She grew up in Central Pennsylvania, but now enjoys living in
Atlantic County with her newlywed husband.

About the Authors

Bob JordanBob Jordan has covered state, county and muncipal governments for the past 10 years. He has also covered the gaming industry and has been a sports team beat writer for NHL, NBA and major league baseball teams.E-mail Bob

John SchoonejongenJohn Schoonejongen is state editor for Gannett New Jersey newspapers. He has reported and edited at New Jersey newspapers from Salem County to Passaic County, writing about everything from state politics to lost pigs on the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Born in Camden County, he still speaks with a southern New Jersey accent, much to his wife's annoyance.E-mail John

Michael SymonsMichael Symons has covered seven governors while working in Gannett's Statehouse Bureau -- a stint which actually only stretches back to 2000, but the door revolves quickly in New Jersey politics. He's co-author of the biography "Chris Christie: The Inside Story of His Rise to Power."E-mail Michael